English Test for the 485 Graduate Visa

Which tests are accepted for the 485

From 7 August 2025, Home Affairs accepts English test results taken at secure in-person test centres only. These include:

- IELTS (Academic and General Training)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT (you must select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering)
- OET (Occupational English Test, commonly used by healthcare professionals)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- MET (Michigan English Test)

Online or at-home versions — including IELTS Online, OET@Home, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition — are not accepted for visa purposes, even if taken after 7 August 2025.

Competent English requirement for the 485

The 485 Graduate visa typically requires Competent English. This is the baseline English level for skilled visas in Australia.

For Competent English, the required scores are:

- IELTS: 6.0 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
- PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
- TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
- OET: Grade B (commonly accepted for healthcare workers)

If you're taking a different test provider, check the current Home Affairs English requirements table to confirm the exact score equivalent to Competent English.

Test validity and timing

Your test results are valid for up to 3 years from the test date. This means if you took a test on 1 June 2023, the results are still valid until 1 June 2026 for visa purposes.

If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, you have a longer window: those results remain valid until 6 August 2028. After 6 August 2028, you'll need a new test taken at an approved in-person centre.

Timing relative to lodgement: Plan to take your test well before you lodge your visa application. You'll need the original test result report to submit with your application. Some applicants take the test months in advance, while others test closer to the application date — check with the testing provider about processing times for your result report.

English exemptions by citizenship

Holders of a passport from specific countries are generally treated as having the required English without sitting a test:

- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Ireland

This exemption removes the need to take a test, but it does not award you English language points (Competent English gives 0 points in the skilled points test anyway, so this is not a disadvantage). Check the current Home Affairs page to confirm whether the 485 specifically allows this exemption.

If your English is below Competent

If you don't meet Competent English, you are not eligible for the 485 Graduate visa. The requirement is not waivable, and the 485 does not accept lower English levels such as Functional or Vocational English (which apply to some other visa subclasses). You'll need to retake the test or choose a different visa pathway.

Booking and preparing for your test

Test centres require you to book in advance. Availability varies by location and test provider. Popular tests like IELTS and PTE have regular session dates; others may have fewer options.

When registering for TOEFL iBT, remember to select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" — this flag is required for Home Affairs to recognise your results. For PTE Academic and other providers, ensure you're registering for the version accepted by Home Affairs, not a development or practice version.

Multiple tests and best timing

You only need to submit one test result that meets the Competent English requirement. If you're aiming for proficient or superior English (to earn points in the skilled points test), plan your retake or test date accordingly — but for the 485, Competent is the standard requirement.

Do I need an English test if I'm from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland?

Generally, you are exempt from sitting a test. However, confirm with Home Affairs whether this exemption applies specifically to the 485 Graduate visa.

Can I take an online English test at home for the 485?

No. From 7 August 2025, only results from secure in-person test centres are accepted. Online and at-home test formats are not recognised, even if the test provider offers them.

How long does it take to get my test results?

This varies by test provider. IELTS typically reports results within 13 days of your test; PTE Academic can provide results within 1–5 days; TOEFL iBT typically within 6–10 days. Check with your test provider for exact processing times and plan accordingly.

Can I retake my English test if I don't pass the first time?

Yes, you can retake any approved test. There is no limit on attempts. Book your next test session and work toward the score you need.

What if I have a test result from before 7 August 2025?

Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028. You can use these in your 485 application without needing a new test, provided they were taken at an approved test centre (which was the standard before August 2025).